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One of the most common questions we get from people thinking about selling their home is what renovations should be done to raise the value or sell price. This is a great question, and while we always recommend that you reach out to us to discuss your particular situation, there are a few things that are beneficial in nearly every situation. However, the important thing is to remember not to spend more than you will get out of it.

Paint is your friend

Painting interiors is fairly easy and can give the home a fresh and bright look to prospective buyer. Start by walking through the house and see what rooms need it the most. Look for small cracks, chips and dirty paint to start with. Be sure to paint small rooms in light colors to make them look bigger. Avoid dramatic colors such as red, deep blues, or even yellows. It is always better to be neutral rather than pick colors that people might not like. It is also a good idea to make sure decorations are neutral and family specific items are stored away.

The Kitchen

In most renovations updating the kitchen will give you the most impact and increase in value. If you plan on staying in the home for many years before selling, go big. However, if you are just trying to improve buyer appeal, there are some smaller updates you can do that help in a big way. Try swapping out the kitchen faucets for a more modern look. Replace the blinds, curtains, and put in new lights to brighten the room. New floor coverings can also help the room look bright and inviting.

Spruce up the outside

Curb appeal is huge, so put on the gardening gloves or hire a professional. Most buyers already have a good idea whether or not they like the house before they’re even out of the car. If you know you’re going to be selling make sure you keep the lawn green and well-manicured. Trim the bushes and trees, and even plant some flowers if it is the right time of year. Clear away all dead brush, limbs, or any other unsightly messes. Your goal is to make your yard look like a magazine shoot.

You may also want to replace any ripped screens and do some touch up painting on doors and window frames. Be careful before deciding to paint the exterior of the house, though, as your color preference may be different than that of potential buyers. Before painting, we recommend talking with us. You may do better by offering a paint provision in the contract rather than incurring the expense up front.

Clean like your mom is visiting

Here is the most important “renovation” you can do when you are selling your home. Either prepare to use some serious elbow grease or hire professionals to give your home a top-down cleaning. Everything in the house should be cleaned and kept clean throughout the selling process. We understand this can be difficult with a family and busy schedules, but the cleaner you keep the home, the less stress you will have when the last minute showing pops up. So grab a scrub brush and clean like company is coming!

Are you ready to sell your home?

Selling your home can be stressful, but it can also be a huge opportunity to set the stage for the next phase of your life. If you're thinking about selling your home, give us a call and we'll help navigate you through getting out of your old home and into your new one.